Hot for pink: 10 clever ways to work it

Audrey Hepburn loved it. Top London resturant Sketch glows in it. Never underestimate the power of pink. From bubblegum to fuchsia, Livingetc explores 10 perfect pink interiors

1. Elegant
Pale, flesh, nude, call it what you will – this is the neutral, not-so-often-used side of pink. It’s subtle and yet
warmer than cream and beige. Here, it beautifully softens the masculinity
of the Chesterfield sofa and effortlessly mixes in with the pale scheme. This is homely, understated chic.

2. Attention-seeking focal point
Hot pink can happily take centre stage in a pared-back interior. The sofa’s rich fuchsia hue coupled with
the luxe fabric creates a feeling of opulence. And because it’s
velvet, the colour appears to change in the light, depending
on which way it has been brushed.

3. Sexy
The shaft of pink neon light brings a hit of cool, 20th-century glamour
to an otherwise period-pristine bathroom. A sexy glimmer of femininity is
welcome in this classic Georgian space.

4. Classic with a twist
Light pink paint works well on wood panelling and cabinetry and surprisingly well in
a kitchen. It warms up the utilitarian Shaker style nicely and
offsets the cool grey marble to great effect.

5. Fun
Hot pink is the perfect foil for crisp white bed linen, which in turn
heightens the bold hue. Dramatic pink also plays well with tonal colours,like these paler bubblegum-pink lamp shades. The flamingo on the wall is a touch of pink kitsch genius.

6. Geometric
This is the colour showing its ‘more serious’, abstract side. Think Bridget Riley and op art paintings. This Cole & Son Geometric II wallpaper looks fabulous on an accent wall or in a recess of an alcove. Notice how versatile pink is – it goes well with a whole array of colours, including green, blue, red and orange.

8. Miami vibe
Pink shows its tropical side in this inviting UK garden. Upbeat and positive, it looks striking against the lush green planting. Loving the basement’s blue sky light too, shimmering like a Palm Springs pool on a hot day.

9. Retro cool
Pink can redefine a classic. The Bouroullec brothers’ Slow chair looks reborn in pastel pink. Its simple elegant lines keep it the right side of girlie.

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10. Romantic… or humorous?
Traditionally, pink is the colour associated with love and romance. British artist Harland Miller takes this
connotation of the colour and subverts it with humour. Makes you think, doesn’t it? Never
underestimate the power of pink.